Athlete accused of robbing tobacco pipe store with gun

BRUNSWICK — A University of Akron football player is accused of robbing a Brunswick tobacco pipe store at gunpoint Monday morning.

Seth Cunningham, 21, of 3175 Central Park Lane, Montville Township, was charged with aggravated robbery after he was arrested by Brunswick police just after midnight Monday.

Cunningham

Brunswick police spokesman Nick Solar said Cunningham entered a 24-hour boutique in Archway Plaza at the southeast corner of Pearl and Laurel roads and waved a 9mm handgun in the air.

Solar said Cunningham went to a display case and removed a water pipe valued at $447 and fled the store.

Police patrolling the area reported spotting a black pickup on a nearby street pull into a driveway and the driver did not exit the truck.

Solar said police approached the truck and found Cunningham with the water pipe and pistol.

Cunningham was taken to the Medina County Jail. On Wednesday, he posted a $30,000 bond and was released.

A preliminary hearing is set for next Wednesday in Medina Municipal Court.

Cunningham attended St. Edward High School, Lakewood, where he was a standout in football and track.

A star sprinter, Cunningham was the 2009 Division I indoor champion in the 200 meters and set the St. Edward records in 100 meters and 200 meters. He was a regional champion in the events as a junior and qualified for the 2009 state meet, but was unable to run in the finals due to an injury.

According to the University of Akron website, Cunningham is a cornerback on the Zips football team, playing in eight games in 2011 as a sophomore and nine games last year. He is listed as a senior on the 2013 fall roster.